USA > Minnesota > Ramsey County > St Paul > History of Ramsey County and the city of St. Paul, including the Explorers and pioneers of Minnesota > Part 23
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Meantime, the war spirit which had been aroused in the State, was not content with send- ing one regiment. There were numbers, in fact several almost full companies, who had tried to get admission into the First, but were too late, and were anxious to go. This fact being made
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MINNESOTA'S SHARE IN SUPPRESSING THIE REBELLION.
known by Gov. Ramsey on May 3d, to the Secre- tary of War, he at once authorized the raising of a second regiment, and the recruiting for the same was proceeded with, with alacrity. The regiment was filled to the minimum, and mustered in on June 26th, with the gallant Van Cleve as Colonel, and rendezvoused at Fort Snelling, for the time being, some of the companies, mean- time, garrisoning the forts in and near Minnesota.
The First Regiment on reaching Washington, was, after a few days of camp life at Alexandria, pushed to the front, and took an active part with Heintzelman's Division, in McDowell's campaign against Manassas, acquitting itself well. On July 21st, scarcely more than three weeks after its arrival in the field, it took part in the memorable battle of Bull Run, in which disastrous engagement it lost 174 men, of whom 44 were killed, 107 wounded, and 23 taken prisoners. The gallantry of the men, and their fine conduct in the heat of battle, gained the regiment as well as our State, great praise ; but the sad news of the loss it suffered, filled our citizens with gloom. The magnitude and solemnity of the great strug- gle in which the nation had engaged, began to be realized, while the sympathy and benevolence of the citizens of the State, especially the ladies, was aroused by the wants of the wounded and sick soldiers in the hospitals, and a general move- ment made for such contributions of money and · clothing and delicacies suitable for invalids. Nearly $2,000 in money alone, was promptly con- tributed, and sent to the Chaplain of the First. This was the commencement of a splendid stream of gifts towards the same object, which continued to flow during the whole four years of the war, the Sanitary and Christian Commissions being soon after organized as a means of collecting and distributing relief. In no State, during the strug- gle for the Union, was found a more patriotic, liberal, actively generous people, than in Minne- sota.
Not long after the battle of Bull Run, the First Regiment went into camp between Poolesville and Edwards Ferry, Maryland, for winter quar- ters, remaining there several months.
While these events were occurring, the mate- rial progress of our State was receiving an im- puise. Capitalists from Ohio were induced, under the legislation of the last winter, to embark in the
completion of the " Minnesota and Pacific Rail- road," from St. Paul to St. Anthony. This line had been partially graded three years before, and with little labor was made ready for the super- structure. Ties and rails for several miles were provided, and track-laying commenced. A loco- motive and cars arrived, and the first wheel turned by a locomotive in this State, was on Sep- tember 19th. At this juncture, unfortunately, a disagreement sprang up between the contractors and the officers of the road, and resulted in a sus- pension of the work for several months.
Business remained very much depressed. all the season, a result, in part, of the miserable cur- rency used in trade.
Recruiting for the second regiment did not cease until September, by which time all the companies were filled to the maximum, and the battalion was ready for service on southern fields. Meantime a company of Sharp-Shooters had been recruited by Capt. Peteler, and having been ac- cepted (Sept. 3d), left on Oct. 6th for Virginia, where they were attached to Berdan's U. S. sharp-shooters.
Congress, at its special session, commencing July 4th, had authorized the raising of 500,000 troops. Under this call Minnesota was called on for two more regiments, on Sept 17th. There were already some partially completed companies, and recruiting commenced vigorously in all parts of the state. Up to this time all the troops re- cruited had been for the infantry service, but in order to give all who wished to enlist, their pref- erence for the different arms of service, cavalry, and artillery organizations were commenced. Three companies of cavalry were authorized, and began to receive recruits, while a battery of light artillery was gotten under way.
On Oct. 3d, Capt. N. J. T. Dana, formerly of the regular army, was commissioned as Colonel of the First, vice Gorman, who had been pro- moted to Brigadier General.
On Oct. 14, the Second Regiment left for Vir- ginia, but at Pittsburgh was ordered to Louis- ville, Ky., and soon after went into camp at Leb- anon Junction, where they remained some weeks, guarding bridges. On Oct. 29th, the Third Regiment was announced as organized, and IIen- ry C. Lester appointed Colonel. On Nov. 16th the Third left for Kentucky, and were employed in
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OUTLINES OF THE HISTORY OF MINNESOTA.
the same service as the Second, near which they were encamped for some weeks. The Fourth Regiment was filled nearly at the same time, and Adjt. Gen. Jolın B. Sanborn appointed Colonel. It was retained in the state, doing garrison duty, until spring.
On Oct. 19th the First Regiment participated in the action at Edwards Ferry, suffering small loss, but making a noble record for gallantry.
The state election occurred on Oct. 9th. Parti- san politics were not much noticeable in this con- test. Alex. Ramsey was re-elected for governor, by a vote of 16,274 over E. O. Hamlin, who had 10,448.
The three cavalry companies, commanded re- spectively by Capts. Von Minden, Brackett, and West, were ordered to Benton Barracks, Mo., in December, and incorporated into an Iowa troop called Curtis Horse, and subsequently Third Iowa Cavalry.
The First Battery Light Artillery, Capt. Munch, also left for St. Louis Dec. 1st, and was soon after ordered to Pittsburgh Landing. During this month a Fifth Regiment was authorized, and considerable progress made in filling it.
On January 19th, 1862, occurred the memora- ble battle of Mill Springs, in which our Second Regiment won a national reputation. Early on that day, the enemy, under Gen. Zollicoffer, at- tacked the union forces. Col. Van Cleve says in his official report: " After proceeding about half a mile, we came upon the enemy, who were posted behind a fence along the road, beyond which was an open field, broken by ravines. The enemy, opening upon us a galling fire, fouglit desperate- ly, and a hand to hand fight ensued which lasted about thirty minutes. *
* The enemy gave way, leaving a large number of their dead and wounded on the field. * * We joined in the pursuit, which continued till near sunset, when we arrived within a mile of their intrench- ments, where we rested upon our arms during the night. *
* * Six hundred of our regi- ment were in the engagement, twelve of whom were killed and thirty-three wounded." Gen. Zollicoffer himself was among the enemy slain. Private George G. Strong, of Company D, is thought to have killed Baillie Peyton, a promi- nent rebel officer.
The news of the victory at Mill Springs, occur-
ing, as it did, during a period of depression, was like a gleam of sunshine, and our Second Regi- ment won bright laurels for their gallantry. For meritorious service in this engagement, Col. Van Cleve was soon after promoted to Brigadier Gen- eral.
On Feb. 24th Capt. Alfred Sully was commis- sioned colonel of the First Regiment, vice Dana, promoted to Brigadier General.
The legislature of 1862 had many important questions under consideration, prominent among which were those measures providing for military necessities, and putting the state on a " war foot- ing." The work of releasing the land grant rail- roads from the entanglements resulting from the old five-million loan, and bestowing the franchis- es on real capitalists, who would undertake to build in good faith, was another of the important measures of the session. The latter work was successfully accomplished in most cases. On the line of the Minnesota & Pacific, between St. Paul and St. Anthony, work was recommenced and pushed vigorously.
On April 6th the battle of Pittsburg Landing occurred. The only Minnesota troops engaged in this conflict was the First Battery, which was in the heat of the action at several points. Sev- eral cannoneers were wounded (Capt. Munch se- verely) two killed, and also a number of horses. The battery did splendid service, and " mowed the enemy down with cannister." Capt. (form- erly adjutant general) Wm. H. Acker, of the Sixteenth Regulars, was killed during this en- gagement.
On March 20th, the Fifth Regiment was de- clared organized, and the field officers were com- missioned. Rudolph Borgesrode was appointed Colonel. The Second Sharpshooters, Captain Russell, which had been recruited during the winter, soon after left for Washington, arriving there April 26th. On April 24th, the Fourth Regiment, and Second Battery of Light Artillery, Captain Hotchkiss, left for Benton Barracks, and were soon pushed to the front in Mississippi. On May 13th, the Fifth Regiment also left for the same destination, excepting companies B, C, and D, who remained behind to garrison forts, and a few weeks subsequently took a conspicuous part in the Sioux war.
On May 26th, the call for a sixth regiment was
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MINNESOTA'S SHARE IN SUPPRESSING THE REBELLION.
made and recruiting was commenced very act- ively, several skeleton companies, partially filled for the Fifth Regiment, being already in the field.
Congress, at its extra session, commencing July 4th, 1861 had authorized the issue of "legal ten- der" notes, which were by this date, in large cir- culation. The result of this was to greatly en- liven business and enhance prices. While govern- ment was expending. in our state but a small fraction of the enormous sums it was paying out in eastern States for materials of war, the results were unmistakably felt here. One effect was the gradual and almost complete withdrawal of coin, especially small coin from circulation. This oc- casioned great inconvenience in "making change," and various devices were used to overcome the trouble. Postage stamps came into general use for fractional sums, and soon became a decided nui- sance. Then many of the cities and towns, as well as business firms and banks, issued fractional "shin-plasters" as currency. The country was soon flooded with these, and it proved an intolera- ble nuisance. The issue of the Treasury Depart- ment, soon after, of "postage currency," some- what relieved the dearthi of small change. A steady enhancement in the price of goods, labor, the cost of living, etc., commenced, from this date, an inflation which lasted for two or three years.
The material development of the state pro- gressed during this period, notwithstanding the burdens and waste of war, and the fact that over six thousand of our young men were withdrawn from productive industry. An increased area was sown. Immigration was becoming large, especially of Scandinavians. Further efforts were also made to open and extend our area of trade towards the northwest. The reported discovery of rich gold fields in the region now known as Idaho and Montana, led to the formation of a company of citizens to proceed thither overland. On May 14th, the expedition left St. Paul, and arrived safely at the diggings. Congress had, meantime, been appealed to for some protection to this emigration movement, and a small appro- priation was made for this purpose, and Captain James L. Fisk appointed to organize and com- mand any party that might wish to go over. All- other expedition was organized and equipped, leaving on June 16th, and made a successful journey to the gold fields. These expeditions
did much towards preparing the way for the opening and settlement of the Northwest, and were repeated in 1863 and 1864.
Another important event was the completion of the Minnesota and Pacific Railroad from St. Paul to St. Anthony, which was opened for traffic on June 28 -- the first line operated in our state. From that date on, railroad building was rapidly carried on, on several of the lines.
While these encouraging events were in prog- ress in our state, her brave troops, in Virginia and Mississippi; were contending against great odds. The Fourth and Fifth Regiments and the Second Battery, whose departure for " Dixie" was noted a few lines back, had been pushed rapidly to the front, and, being a part of the "Army of the Mis- sissippi," were soon face to face with the enemy, in the great Corinthi campaign. On May 28th the Fifth Regiment had a sharp action with the enemy, in which several were killed, and a num- ber wounded, and won much praise for gallantry. On July 12th, near Murfreesboro, Tenn., the Third Regiment was attacked by a greatly supe- rior force, and after a brave resistance, losing twelve men, its ammunition became exhausted, and it was compelled to surrender. The men were paroled a few weeks later.
Meantime the First Regiment had taken an active part in a campaign of great danger and hardship. It had remained in its winter quar- ters, near Edward's Ferry, until March, when (attached to Sedgwick's Division) it proceeded to Winchester, from whence they were ordered to join the army of the Potomac near Fortress Monroe. In April they took part in the siege of Yorktown. From thence they participated in McClellan's great Richmond campaign, and the " seven days fight." At Seven Pines, or Fair Oaks, on May 31st and June 1st; at Peach Orch- ard, June 29th; Savage's Station, June 29th; Glendale and White Oak Swamp, June 30th; Nelson's Farm, June 30th; Malvern Hills, July 1st, the brave First took an active part, and suf- fered severe-losses, with great hardship and con- tinnal fighting. In all these engagements, it lost ninety men. At the Battle of Fair Oaks, the Second Sharp-Shooters was united with the First Regimet, and continued with them during the rest of the campaign.
The disastrous termination of the operations
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OUTLINES OF THE HISTORY OF MINNESOTA.
by Mcclellan, and the heavy losses of the army, produced a feeling of great discouragement and doubt throughout the North. On July 2, the pres- ident called for 300,000 more troops. Still this heavy draft was met cheerfully, and in this State vigorous steps were taken to fill our quota. On July 24th, a rousing war meeting was held at the Capital, which lighted anew the fires of patriot- ism, roused the despondent, and infused new hopes into all. Recruiting commenced vigor- ously. But scarcely was the work under way, when the call of August 4th, for 300,000 more troops, was issued. It now became evident that special exertions would be needed to fill our quo- ta by the 18th, at which time the Secretary of War had ordered a draft to be made, if not filled. Publie meetings were held at various places, and large sums of money were subscribed by individ- uals, in addition to local bounties, to stimulate enlistments. Great excitement prevailed through- out the State for some days-fully equal to the patriotie war spirit following the fall of Sumpter, and business seemed to be almost suspended ; in
fact, in many instances, actually was, as the en- tire employees of many establishments enlisted. To some extent, martial law was enforced in the State. The Adjutant General, in a published proclamation, forbade citizens (males of military age) from leaving the State without a pass from him, nor were they allowed to go from one county to another without a permit from the Sheriff. The Sixth Regiment, which was partially filled when the call of July 2d was issued, was quickly filled and organized. A seventh regiment was authorized on August 5th. On August 10th the eightlı was called for ; on August 13th, the ninth; and soon after even a tenth. Recruiting for the old regiments was also brisk. Four companies were received at Fort Snelling in one day. The Press of August 19th, says : "On Sunday and yesterday, large bodies of men were continually pouring in." Over three thousand men were then at the fort. The work of receiving, muster- ing in, clothing and equipping these troops, laid on the authorities a heavy task.
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THE SIOUX MASSACRE.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE SIOUX MASSACRE.
The Sioux Massacre .- The Events Which Probably led to It .- Discontent of the Indians .- The Murders at Acton .- Commencement of the Carnage at Red Wood .- Awful Scenes .- Narrow Escape of Whites. - The Battle of Red Wood Ferry .- Fiendish Cruelties of the Savages .- Panie and Flight of the Settlers .- Condition of Affairs at Fort Ridgely .- The Alarm Reaches St. Peter .- Rein- forcements Set Out from There .- The first Attack on New Uhu .- The Savages Repulsed .- They Besiege Fort Ridgely-But Fail to Capture It-And Again Fall on New Ulm .- Desperate Fighting .- The Town Nearly Burned Down - The Savages Withdraw, Unsuccessful .- The Town Evacuated .- End of the first " Week of Blood."-Its Results to the State.
While these exciting events were occurring, and attracting the attention of our citizens, a fearful storm was gathering in an unexpected quarter, and soon burst upon our state with ap- palling fury. The Sioux Indians, of whom sev- eral thousand were living on reservations in the western portions of Minnesota, had been for sev- eral weeks (i. e. since about June 14th) collected at the Yellow Medicine agency, to receive their annual payment. This would have been made to them by the proper officer, at that time and place, promptly, had not the necessities of the government just at that juncture, prevented the prompt transmission of the $70,000 in gold coin, which was to pay the Indians their annuities. As soon as it could be got ready, it was sent, and hurried forward by special messengers, night and day, arriving just one day too late. Meantime the Indians were waiting impatiently for their money, and for the provisions and other supplies which were to be given them when the payment was made. They were almost destitute of food, and some were really suffering from hunger. In this discontented condition, they were ready to listen to bad counsel. Malicious parties had whis- pered to them that the war had destroyed most of the young men of the whites; that only old men and boys were left; and if so disposed they could repossess themselves of the land; that they were to be cheated out of their money by the traders, whom they had before accused of de- frauding them; and other wrongs, real or fan- cied, were recited to inflame them. As was usual, a small detachment of troops had been
sent to the agency when the Indians first assem- bled, to preserve order. This consisted of fifty men from Fort Ridgely, under Capt. Jno. S. Marsh, and fifty from Fort Ripley, commanded by Lieut. T. J. Sheehan. Yet, notwithstanding the presence of these soldiers, guarding the ware- houses, on Aug. 4th, several hundred Indians attacked and broke into one of the buildings, and took about one hundred sacks of flour before they could be stopped. The missionaries, with Major Galbraith, the agent, at length quieted this outbreak. The agent issued some ammuni- tion and goods to them, and persuaded them to disperse, and he would send them word when the money was ready for them. To this they appeared to agree, and apparently left the agency and went to their hunting-grounds. It was now supposed that the trouble was over, and the troops were allowed, on Aug. 16th, to depart for their posts. But it was only the calm before the storm. All this time bad blood was brewing, and the storm gathering, unnoticed, or at least unheeded by the whites. Only a spark was needed to explode this magazine of savage fury, and that, at length came. There is good evi- dence to believe that during this interval the In- dians were holding councils and " soldier's lodg- es, " and had concluded that as the forts were manned by but a handful of soldiers, it would be a good time to rise and sweep away the white race from their old hunting-grounds.
On Sunday, Aug. 17, a party of four Indians, be- longing to a band noted for insubordination, were in the neighborhood of Acton, Meeker County, where they had been for several days hunting. They were angry and quarrelsome. They came to the house of a Mr. Howard Baker, where they found him and his wife, and a Mr. Webster and wife. Mr. Robinson Jones and wife and a Miss Wilson, neighbors, came in soon after. The In- dians had previously had a quarrel with Jones,
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OUTLINES OF THE HISTORY OF MINNESOTA.
which was now renewed. They then proposed shooting at a mark with Baker and Jones, which was done. After discharging their guns, the Indians at once reloaded, and commenced firing on the whites. Jones and his wife, and Baker and Webster were killed, and Miss Wilson, Mrs. Baker and child, and Mrs. Webster, were un- hurt. The four Indian murderers then stole horses in the neighborhood, and rode rapidly, during the night, to the Indian village near the agency, where they told what they had done, and urged that, as blood had been spilt, and they would suffer the penalty, they must all unite and exterminate the whites. The other Indians then armed themselves, and at sunrise, Aug. 18, the work of the death commenced, at the Lower Sioux Agency, near Red Wood. It is strongly asserted by other writers, who give good reasons for the belief, that the Indians collected at the Ageney had all ready demanded on the massacre, and commenced it on the 18th, without knowing of the events at Acton.
The first victim to this hellish plot was James W. Lynde, a clerk in the trading house of Nathan Myrick. IIe was a man of fine attainments, and had written a work on the History and Religion of the Dakotas, which was just ready for publi- cation. Three other persons were killed at the same store. At Forbes' trading house, near by, George H. Spencer, the clerk, was badly wounded, when his life was saved by the interposition of a friendly Indian, named Chaska, who protected him until he recovered. Other white persons in and near the houses at the agency, were either killed or wounded, within a few minutes. At this point the Indians ceased their carnage, in order to plunder the stores and government ware- houses, and this delay enabled Rev. S. D. Hin- man and some other whites, to escape to Fort Ridgely, spreading the alarm as they went.
After a brief time spent by the savages in rob- bing the stores, they continued their work of car- nage in every direction. They were soon joined by the warriors of the other bands, and, to the number of two or three hundred, spread through the settlements for several miles up and down the river, murdering all the whites whom they could find, excepting a few young womem, whom they took captive, and in many instances burning the houses of the settlers.
Meantime, the whites at the upper, or Yellow Medicine Agency, some thirty miles distant, were in ignorance of these dreadful scenes, and of the danger which threatened them. It was not until nearly night when John Other-Day, a Christian Indian, brought them the dreadful news, and warned them to save their lives. The whites, sixty-two in number, at once took refuge in a warehouse; but flight seemed the only safe course, and before daylight the next morning, they were on their way across the prairies to- .wards Henderson, the men on foot, and the wo- men and children, with S. B. Garvie, who had escaped from his warehouse, after being badly wounded, in wagons. The noble Other-Day piloted them truly and skillfully. This party, after great hardships, arrived safely at the settle- ments on the Minnesota river, and thence to St. Paul, though Mr. Garvie died on the way. The two missionaries, Messrs. Williamson and Riggs,· also escaped, with their families, after suffering much hardship.
On Monday morning, August 18th, about three hours after the first outbreak at Red Wood agency, a messenger from that place arrived at Fort Ridgely, twelve miles distant, with the startling news. Captain Marsh, Company B, Fifth Regiment, then in command, at once dis- patched a courier to Lieutenant Sheehan, Com- pany C, Fifth Regiment, who, with his detach- ment, had left the post the morning previous on his return to Fort Ripley, and also to Major Gal- braith, who had left at the same time for St. Peter, with about fifty recruits, called the "Ren- ville Rangers," en-route for Fort Snelling, urging them to return at once. Captain Marsh at once left for the scene of carnage, with forty-four men on foot. After a forced march, he arrived about 2 o'clock P. M. at the ferry opposite the Agency, near which place they found nine dead bodies. They were met here by Rev. Mr. Hinman, on his way to the fort, who cautioned Capt. Marsh against an ambuscade, and warned him to return, as the Indians greatly outnumbered his force. Captain Marsh, who was a very brave but very rash man, would not listen to the advice, declaring that he could "whip all the Indians," or something to that effect. Arriving at the ferry, his men were drawn up on the bank, in plain sight, when three or four hundred Indians concealed in the thickets
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